Apple to Launch Camera-Equipped AirPods Pro 3 and Second-Generation Foldable iPhone by 2027

At a moment when the buzz from WWDC 2026’s AI announcements has started to settle, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has shed light on Apple’s hardware roadmap for 2027. Among the highlights are the long-rumored camera-equipped AirPods and the second-generation foldable iPhone.

Camera-Equipped AirPods Pro 3

According to Gurman, the AirPods Pro 3, featuring a built-in camera on the stem, is scheduled for release in late 2027. Internal testing is already underway for compatibility with iOS 28, and a thorough feature evaluation is expected during the major update cycle following the public beta release of iOS 27.

The standout feature of these new earbuds is their ability to provide “visual context” to Siri via the embedded camera. The camera will capture the user’s surroundings, and an indicator light will signal when data is being uploaded to the cloud. As The Verge has pointed out, this development appears to be a precursor to Apple’s eventual launch of smart glasses.

Second-Generation Foldable iPhone

Gurman also revealed that Apple is working on a second-generation foldable iPhone, following the anticipated release of its first foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026. The introduction of this second model underscores Apple’s commitment to the foldable device category, with hopes of addressing challenges such as inadequate app screen optimization and limited battery capacity, which currently affect foldable devices.

The Verge’s Editor-in-Chief, Richard Lawler, has highlighted issues with foldable devices, based on his experience using the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, including app incompatibility with larger screens and smaller battery sizes compared to standard models. Apple’s approach to overcoming these challenges with its second-generation foldable iPhone will be closely watched.

20th Anniversary iPhone and Chip Strategy

Gurman also touched on the long-discussed “20th Anniversary iPhone,” codenamed V73 and V74. This model, anticipated to be released in the fall of 2026, is said to feature a nearly edge-to-edge display with curved glass wrapping around its sides, while maintaining dimensions similar to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max.

Meanwhile, the standard iPhone 18 may face a delayed release until 2027. This model will incorporate the A20 chip series, with plans to transition to a 2nm A21 chip for 2027 devices. Subsequently, the A22 Pro chip will shift to 1.4nm technology, with Apple reportedly considering using Intel’s production capacity alongside its current reliance on TSMC.

These plans align with years of rumors about a slim “iPhone Air.” However, uncertainties remain, including the impact of new CEO John Ternus, potential shortages in RAM and components, and the rapid adoption of AI features. Gurman cautioned that even well-founded rumors could be subject to change.

In the context of Apple’s growing integration with AI, these developments also tie into efforts like Apple Intelligence Launches: Siri AI Reimagined in iOS 27. The visual data captured by camera-equipped AirPods could significantly enhance Siri’s contextual understanding capabilities.

Editorial Opinion

Short-Term Impact: The planned late 2027 release of camera-equipped AirPods Pro 3 suggests Apple may be positioning earbuds, rather than smart glasses, as its primary wearable AI device. As iOS 28 enters its beta cycle in the next three to six months, specific APIs and developer guidelines are likely to be released. Developers within Apple’s ecosystem should start considering new UX designs that integrate visual data with voice interfaces.

Long-Term Perspective: The launch of a second-generation foldable iPhone demonstrates Apple’s commitment to the foldable form factor, countering speculation that it could be a fleeting experiment. While competitors are already on their sixth-generation foldable devices, Apple’s entry might redefine the market itself. The potential collaboration with Intel for chip production is noteworthy, as it reflects a strategic move to mitigate the risks of relying solely on TSMC and to fortify the supply chain against geopolitical risks.

Questions from the Editorial Team: How will society respond to earbuds equipped with cameras in terms of privacy concerns? While the inclusion of an indicator light showing when data is being uploaded is a thoughtful design, public apprehension about constant camera operation in shared spaces is likely to be significant. How will Apple reconcile its long-standing reputation for prioritizing user privacy with the practical realities of this device? Furthermore, if TSMC and Intel jointly handle chip production, discrepancies in process nodes could lead to variations in yield and performance. How might this affect the consistency of Apple’s products?

References

• Apple 2027 rumors: AirPods with cameras for AI and the second folding iPhone — The Verge, published June 16, 2026